Register now and join the Philippine's largest automotive online community!

If this is your first visit to Tsikot Automotive and Car Forums Philippines, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Is anyone aware on the procedures and requirements in buying a Diplomatic/Tax Exempt (blue plate) vehicle?

Example, let's say an embassy, United Nation's agencies/offices or any agency, office, individual, or corporation ([SIZE=1]provided by law: EO 491[/SIZE]), including those companies that operate in a Free Port Zone (like Subic, etc.) who are allowed to import a vehicle Tax and Duty Free provided they are for sole use within the Free Port, ([SIZE=1]provided by law: RA 3224 Sec.1F[/SIZE]) decides to sell the vehicle.

Naturally, it will possess blue-colored plates (4 or 5 numeric characters). What are the things needed to be done to process change of ownership, and eventually transfer the vehicle to a private individual, which is will be then the new owner?

Does the plates needs to be surrendered and replaced with the current series, private (green-colored) plates? Or, does the new owner keep the plates and eventually registers as a private vehicle (blue plate, green registration stickers).

my wife works in a int'l organization similar to the ones mentioned. we once bought a 2nd hand tax-exempt vehicle. so to shed some light on the question: (1) we had to pay the taxes for the car; and (2) we were not allowed to keep the "blue" plates. these are for diplomatic use only. you need papers from the department of foreign affairs certifying your status and that of your vehicle. besides, these plates cannot be given to a buyer of a tax exempt vehicle because these diplomatic plates are re-used by the individual to which these were issued when he decides to purchase a new tax exempt vehicle.